Drexel University to launch Sacramento graduate center

SACRAMENTO
May 22, 2008 11:49am

Drexel University, which is based in Philadelphia, says it will open a center for graduate studies in Sacramento and establish a $10 million fund for fellowships for students.

The center will begin with five master’s programs in January 2009 and add four more in September 2009. The programs are intended to address the schedule needs of working adults and will be offered at Drexel’s location at One Capitol Mall in Sacramento.

“We are excited to bridge the miles between our cities with a common vision toward expanding higher education opportunities in California,” says Drexel University President Constantine Papadakis. “We have been drawn by the exciting future of Greater Sacramento, the passion of its community, business and education leaders, and the opportunities available to serve this innovative region.”

The fellowships will be awarded annually based on academic qualifications and need, and to encourage partnerships with area businesses, whose up and coming leaders will be able to obtain the practical education they need to succeed, the university says.

Fellowships will also be available in amounts up to full tuition and are based on the quality of the student’s undergraduate record and professional experience

“Drexel has seen enormous success in Philadelphia due to its strong partnership with the business and civic community here,” says Mr. Papadakis, “and we are looking forward to building equally strong relationships in Northern California.”

Drexel’s Sacramento Center will feature state-of-the-art classrooms including wireless access for student laptops and technology support, the university says. Students will be linked to all the resources of Drexel’s main campus, including program resources, financial aid, libraries and career assistance.

The university began exploring opportunities in the Greater Sacramento area in 2007 after Mr. Papadakis was approached by a group of Sacramento leaders including Angelo Tsakopoulos, a real estate developer and the founder and owner of Sacramento-based AKT Development.

The Tsakopoulos family, William and Claudia Cummings, Wayne and Mary Prim and their partners have offered Drexel University more than 1,100 acres to build a major undergraduate campus in Placer County.